Chicago Bulls: 5 holiday wishes for a struggling franchise

1. A healthy Lauri Markkanen

It cannot be stated enough how much the Chicago Bulls miss their second-year forward. Out since the first week of training camp with a dislocated elbow, Markkanen should be returning to the court soon and for Hoiberg, it can’t come soon enough.

Markkanen gives the team another scorer and rebounder and frankly, he’s their best all-around player, despite LaVine’s high-volume scoring. His injury doomed the season from the get-go and the team has been floundering ever since.

Fans should be most excited about the opportunity to see the Markkanen-Carter frontcourt pairing. With Carter being an active defender and shot-blocker, it will ease the Finnish product’s defensive responsibilities.

A healthy Lauri Markkanen is the most important wish for the franchise, not just this holiday season, but throughout the entire year.